Airport staff in Tibet learn to handle harsh conditions

On a basketball court at Ali Kunsha Airport, which sits at an altitude of 4,274 meters above sea level, a group of young people wearing airport safety vests are sweating, yelling and breathing loudly. These young people who work at the fourth-highest airport in the world will represent the airport the following day in a regional basketball championship in Ngari prefecture, Tibet autonomous region.

“They simply like it,” said Tan Tao, deputy chief at the Ngari station of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. “When you like something, you won’t care whether you’re on a plateau or not.”

The fast development of Tibet’s civil aviation industry demands more workers, but few people find working in Tibet attractive because of its harsh living environment — low oxygen levels, limited access to food and big temperature swings. For those who do stay, they find life more meaningful and diverse.

“We had 194 people on our team, but one just quit because of health concerns,” said Tan, who expressed understanding and sympathy for personnel at the airport.

Tan has worked at the airport for nine years, and spends his managing staff and dealing emergencies.

Last night, a call roused him from his slumber — a critically ill patient needed immediate transport on a flight.

He coordinated the flight schedule by reaching out to the hospital and Tibet Airlines, one of three airlines operating at the airport.

For airports in Tibet, serving as the lifeline for patients requiring transport has been one of their major missions.

Since 2010, when Ali Kunsha Airport opened, 34 patients have been transported via airlines. Before flights were available, people could only rely on local hospitals, which may not have the expertise to treat life-threatening conditions. Without the airport, land transportation days with would take two to three days, a risk too great for severely ill or injured patients.

Illness used to be the worst fear for people living or traveling in Tibet. Only last year, the hospital in Ngari earned a ranking as a Tier-3B hospital, still below the highest ranking of Tier 3A. Substandard medical resources and a tough environment have made it even harder for patients to get satisfactory treatment.

But since opening its doors, the airport offers another option for patients. Every day, Pema Yudron, manager for ground operations at the Ngari station, helps treat patients suffering from altitude sickness, responds to the needs of passengers, and coordinates baggage handling. “My job is mostly about helping people and I love helping people — it makes me feel meaningful,” said Pema Yudron.

Pema Yudron, who has worked at the airport since 2010, has a 2-yearold son now living in Lhasa. “I miss him,” she said. Separation from families is common for airport staff. They send their children to more developed provinces and areas in China to receive better education. Moreover, “it would be hard for children to live here. It is tough,” she said, shedding tears.

“But I never thought about leaving,” she added. Pema Yudron received a promotion and also heads the dance club at the station. Every year, the station holds activities to enrich the lives of the staff. Basketball matches and dance performances are among the many options available. One of the employees at the airport even became an internet celebrity with 10,000 followers on his social media channel by demonstrating his music and acting skills.

The Tibet Autonomous Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China was founded in 1983, and administers all five of the Tibet autonomous region’s airports, including Ali Kunsha Airport. Over 2,500 people work for these airports.

Thanks to the hard work by station staff members, the aviation industry in Ngari has developed quickly. The increasing flights and passengers have brought convenience and opportunities to Ngari. More business people have come to Ngari to look around and invest.

Tourism is now a big part of the local economy, as Ngari boasts many tourist sites such as Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Last year, 881,900 tourists visited Ngari, generating over 1 billion yuan ($145 million) in revenue.